EP1607874B1 - Image transmission apparatus - Google Patents
Image transmission apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1607874B1 EP1607874B1 EP04719639.9A EP04719639A EP1607874B1 EP 1607874 B1 EP1607874 B1 EP 1607874B1 EP 04719639 A EP04719639 A EP 04719639A EP 1607874 B1 EP1607874 B1 EP 1607874B1
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- European Patent Office
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- address
- cpu
- user
- transmission apparatus
- receiving end
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- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 title claims description 37
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 76
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 description 25
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 13
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000010365 information processing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
- H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
- H04N1/00209—Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax
- H04N1/00212—Attaching image data to computer messages, e.g. to e-mails
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
- H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
- H04N1/00209—Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
- H04N1/00405—Output means
- H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
- H04N1/00411—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus the display also being used for user input, e.g. touch screen
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
- H04N1/327—Initiating, continuing or ending a single-mode communication; Handshaking therefor
- H04N1/32765—Initiating a communication
- H04N1/32771—Initiating a communication in response to a request, e.g. for a particular document
- H04N1/32776—Initiating a communication in response to a request, e.g. for a particular document using an interactive, user-operated device, e.g. a computer terminal, mobile telephone
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/44—Secrecy systems
- H04N1/4406—Restricting access, e.g. according to user identity
- H04N1/4413—Restricting access, e.g. according to user identity involving the use of passwords, ID codes or the like, e.g. PIN
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/44—Secrecy systems
- H04N1/4406—Restricting access, e.g. according to user identity
- H04N1/444—Restricting access, e.g. according to user identity to a particular document or image or part thereof
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
- H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
- H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
- H04N2201/3204—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a user, sender, addressee, machine or electronic recording medium
- H04N2201/3205—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a user, sender, addressee, machine or electronic recording medium of identification information, e.g. name or ID code
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
- H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
- H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
- H04N2201/3274—Storage or retrieval of prestored additional information
- H04N2201/3276—Storage or retrieval of prestored additional information of a customised additional information profile, e.g. a profile specific to a user ID
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
- H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
- H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
- H04N2201/3278—Transmission
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an image transmission apparatus that transmits image data, in particular, an image transmission apparatus that carries out an authentication process upon inputting an address of a receiving end.
- image transmission apparatuses such as fax machines each of which transmits and receives an image that has been read to and from an external apparatus (receiving end) through a communication path (telephone network).
- a transmitting and receiving environment for images in which Internet facsimiles and the like for transmitting and receiving images through a communication network are used has been improved.
- a workplace environment which utilizes such a network environment has been established. Under these circumstances, as techniques for forming electronic data and for data sharing progress, it becomes necessary to properly establish a protection (security) environment against data leakage and the like.
- an electronic mail system including a section for converting an image of a document surface into corresponding document image data, a section for compressing the document image data, a section for converting the compression-resultant image data into a given electronic-mail format and a section for transmitting the image data towards an electronic-mail destination address.
- the system may further include a section for receiving image data in an electronic mail, a section for converting the received image data into a given facsimile format, a section for expanding the received image data, and a section for printing the expansion-resultant image data.
- a section for receiving information of electronic-mail destination addresses is disclosed, providing the possibility of storing the electronic-mail destination addresses together with a sender ID in a memory.
- a sender ID is inputted and identified with a sender ID stored in the memory, the correlated list of registered destination addresses is displayed, and a destination address may be selected.
- US 2001/056538 discloses an information processing apparatus that imposes a restriction on the use of a shared communication apparatus such as a facsimile machine, thereby preventing a person from posing as a different person when transmitting data such as a document.
- User authentication is performed, and transmission data is transmitted in accordance with the authentication result.
- Information such as a sender name, which corresponds to the information specifying a user used to perform the user authentication, is added to the transmission data.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of an image transmission apparatus according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view that shows an operation unit and a display unit
- FIG. 3 is an explanatory view that shows an image of guide information displayed on the display unit
- FIG. 4 is an explanatory view that shows another image of guide information displayed on the display unit
- FIG. 5 is an explanatory view that shows still another image of guide information displayed on the display unit
- FIG. 6 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit
- FIG. 7 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit
- FIG. 8 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of an image transmission apparatus according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view that shows an operation unit and a display unit
- FIG. 3 is an explanatory view that shows an image of guide information displayed on the display
- FIG. 9 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit
- FIG. 10 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit
- FIG. 11 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit
- FIG. 12 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit
- FIG. 13 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit
- FIG. 14 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit
- FIG. 15 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of processes for conducting a setting operation as to whether or not authentication processes are carried out;
- FIG. 15 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of processes for conducting a setting operation as to whether or not authentication processes are carried out;
- FIG. 16 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of the authentication processes upon inputting an electronic mail address
- FIG. 17 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of processes in the case where an electronic mail address is newly registered or edited
- FIG. 18 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of processes in the case where an electronic mail address is newly registered or edited
- FIG. 19 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of an image transmission apparatus according to Embodiment 2.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of an image transmission apparatus according to the present invention.
- an Internet facsimile apparatus 1 is used as the image transmission apparatus 1; however, in addition to the apparatus that is provided with only the facsimile function, the apparatus may be a complex machine that has a function as a copying machine and a function as a printer in combination.
- a CPU Central Processing Unit
- a reading unit 19 a recording unit 110, a display unit 14, an operation unit 13, a coding-decoding unit 18, a storing unit 15, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, an image memory 151, a modem 162, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 161, a LAN interface 163 and the like are connected to one another through a bus 17.
- a RAM Random Access Memory
- an image memory 151 an image memory
- the CPU 11 which is connected to the above-mentioned hardware units of the Internet facsimile device 1 through the bus 17, controls those units, and also executes various software functions in accordance with a control program 15P and a security program 151P stored in the storing unit 15.
- the reading unit 19 reads a document by using a scanner in which, for example, CCDs (Charge Couple Devices) are utilized, and outputs the image data thus read.
- the recording unit 110 which is an electrophotographic printing apparatus, is used for printing out data, such as image data received through facsimile communication, document image data read by the reading unit 19 and image data sent from a personal computer (not shown) through the LAN interface 163.
- the display unit 14 which is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, is used for displaying the operation state of the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 of the present invention, image data of a document that has been read for transmission, image data received from another facsimile apparatus, and image data sent from a personal computer, or the like.
- the operation unit 13, serving as input means, is provided with character keys, ten keys, shortened dial keys, one-touch dial keys, various function keys and the like required for operating the Internet facsimile device 1 of the present invention.
- the display unit 14 may comprise a touch panel, so that one portion or the entire portions of the various keys of the operation unit 13 can be substituted thereby.
- the coding-decoding unit 18 code-compresses an image signal, and also decodes image data that has been code-compressed into the original image signal.
- the storing unit 15, configured by a hard disk or the like, preliminarily stores the control program 15P and the security program 151P that are required for operations of the Internet facsimile device 1 of the present invention.
- the security program 151P which is a program that executes an authentication process (authentication means) or the like according to the present invention, is installed when desired by the user.
- an address of a receiving end, inputted from the operation unit 13, is registered in an address data file 152 of the storing unit 15.
- the address is a FAX number, an electronic mail address or the like, in the following, description will be given by exemplifying a case where the address is an electronic mail address.
- the RAM 12 which is configured by a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a flash memory or the like, stores temporary data that is generated upon executing a software program.
- the image memory 151 which is configured by a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, stores data such as image data read for transmission, image data received from another facsimile apparatus and image data sent from a computer.
- the modem 162 which is connected to the bus 17, is configured by a facsimile modem capable of performing facsimile communication. Moreover, the modem 162 is also directly connected to the NCU 161 connected to the bus 17.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view that shows the outline of the operation unit 13 and the display unit 14.
- the display unit 14 is formed by a liquid crystal display, and a touch panel 139, which forms one portion of the operation unit 13, is laminated on the upper side thereof.
- Various setting operations such as a copy-density setting operation, a paper selecting operation and a magnification setting operation, can be given through the touch panel 139 by the user's operations.
- ten keys 131 On the right side of the operation unit 13, there are prepared ten keys 131, a clear button 132 by which numeric value data or the like inputted through the ten keys 131 is revised, a start button 134 used for starting a reading process, transmitting process or the like of image data, and a total cancellation button 133, which initializes settings of the number of copies, image quality and the like, or initializes a transmitting operation, a copying operation and the like of image data.
- the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 On the center portion adjacent to the touch panel 139 of the operation unit 13, a printer button 135, a FAX button 136, a copy button 137 and a "user-setting" button 138 are prepared.
- the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 has a printer function, a facsimile function and a copy function; therefore, when the user operates the printer button 135, the FAX button 136 or the copy button 137 depending on the desired usage, the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 is allowed to function as a printer, a facsimile apparatus or a copying machine.
- the "user-setting" button 138 is operated when registering, selecting and editing operations of an address of a receiving end, which will be described later, or various setting operations such as settings of date and time are carried out.
- FIGS. 3 through 14 are explanatory views that show images of guide information displayed on the display unit 14.
- FIG. 2 when the FAX button 136 is operated, a screen indicated by FIG. 3 is displayed.
- the CPU 11 reads out names of receiving ends corresponding to addresses that have been registered ("S company", “B company”, and the like) from the address data file 152, and displays them as a list, as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the corresponding address is read out from the address data file 152, and image data stored in the image memory 151 is transmitted to the corresponding address.
- the CPU 11 displays the screen of FIG. 4 without carrying out an authentication process, and allows selection of a desired address.
- the user After the authentication process, the user inputs an electronic mail address of a receiving end through the ten keys 131. After the input of the electronic mail address, the user presses "OK" button through the touch panel 139. When the "OK" button is operated, the CPU 11 displays a screen shown in FIG. 7 . It is possible to select the file format and compression format of image data to be transmitted in FIG. 7 . With respect to the file format, selection can be made among PDF (Personal Document Format) (Registered Trademark), TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) (Registered Trademark), and the like. Moreover, with respect to the compression format, in addition to the case requiring no compression, selection can be made among compression formats such as MH (G (Group) 3) and MMR (G (Group) 4).
- PDF Personal Document Format
- TIFF Tagged Image File Format
- the CPU 11 When the user selects desired file format and compression format, and then selects the "OK" button, the CPU 11 reads out image data from the image memory 151, carries out a converting process to the corresponding file format and the corresponding compressing process on the image data, and then transmits the resulting image data to the electronic mail address that has been inputted.
- the CPU 11 displays a screen shown in FIG. 10 .
- the user inputs an electronic mail address and the name and the like of a receiving end corresponding to the electronic mail address by using the ten keys 131 and the like.
- the inputted address and name of the receiving end are registered in the address data file 152.
- the "receiving end list” button is operated in FIG. 3 , the names of the receiving ends are read out from the address data file 152 by the CPU 11, and displayed on the display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the CPU 11 displays the above-mentioned authentication screen shown in FIG. 5 so as to carry out the authentication process.
- the CPU 11 displays a screen shown in FIG. 11 .
- the CPU 11 -displays names of receiving ends read out from the address data file 152 on the display unit 14 as a list. The user selects a desired name of a receiving end to be edited.
- the CPU 11 reads out the electronic mail address and the like corresponding to the name of the receiving end from the address data file 152, and displays them as shown in FIG. 12 .
- the user selects a desired item to be edited (name of a receiving end, electronic mail address, index, character retrieving or the like), and inputs the contents of edition through the ten keys 131.
- the CPU 11 stores the data that has been edited in the address data file 152. In this manner, when an electronic mail address is directly inputted upon transmission, that is, when an electronic mail address is newly registered in the address data file 152 and when an already registered electronic mail address is edited, the authentication process shown in FIG. 5 is carried out, so that it becomes possible to prevent the problem that the image data might be transmitted to the third person.
- the above-mentioned authentication can be cancelled by a user's setup.
- description will be given of the contents of the setup procedure.
- "key operator program” button is operated on the menu screen in FIG. 8 , the CPU 11 displays an authentication screen shown in FIG. 13 .
- the user inputs a password through the ten keys 131.
- the CPU 11 carries out an authentication process based upon the inputted password, and only when it is determined that the password is right, displays a screen shown in FIG. 14 .
- a selection screen that allows selection as to whether or not the authentication process is carried out is displayed.
- "normal” button is operated when a setup is made so as not to carry out the authentication process upon inputting an electronic mail address.
- "security environment” button is operated when a setup is made so as to carry out the authentication process upon inputting an electronic mail address.
- the security can be set appropriately in accordance with the use environment of the user's Internet facsimile apparatus 1.
- FIG. 15 is a flow chart that shows the sequence to be used upon carrying out the setup as to whether or not the authentication processes are carried out.
- the CPU 11 determines whether or not the setup for the security environment is carried out (step S151). More specifically, when the menu screen in FIG. 8 is displayed, in order to allow the user to select whether or not the authentication process should be carried out, it is determined whether or not "key operator program" button has been operated through the touch panel 139.
- step S151 When it is determined that the setup for the security environment is carried out (YES in step S151), that is, when the CPU 11 has received a signal corresponding to the "key operator program” button from the operation unit 14, the CPU 11 reads out the authentication screen shown in FIG. 13 from the storing unit 15 and displays the screen. Then, the CPU 11 accepts an input of a password through the ten keys 131 (step S152). In contrast, upon receiving NO in step S151, the CPU 11 completes the sequence of processes without altering the setup of the security environment.
- the CPU 11 determines whether or not the password is the right one (step S153).
- the CPU 11 compares the received password with the password preliminarily stored in the storing unit 15, and when it is determined that the received password is not right (NO in step S153), the sequence of processes is completed.
- the CPU 11 reads out a screen shown in FIG. 14 from the storing unit 15, and displays the screen.
- the CPU 11 accepts a setup for the security environment (step S154). In other words, the CPU 11 accepts the selection as to whether or not the authentication process should be carried out.
- the CPU 11 determines whether or not the information instructing the execution of the authentication process has been received from the operation unit 13 (step S155). More specifically, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the "security environment" button shown in FIG. 14 has been operated.
- step S155 When it is determined that the authentication process should be carried out (YES in step S155), that is, when the CPU 11 has received a signal corresponding to the "security environment” button from the operation unit 13, a flag “1" is set in the storing unit 15 (step S156). In contrast, when it is determined that the authentication process need not be carried out (NO in step S155), that is, when the CPU 11 has received a signal corresponding to the "normal” button shown in FIG. 14 from the operation unit 13, a flag "0" is set in the storing unit 15 (step S157). Thus, the user is allowed to select an execution/non-execution of the authentication process.
- the CPU 11 executes the security program 151P, carries out an interrupting process, if necessary, and carries out the authentication process.
- the CPU 11 does not execute the security program 151P.
- FIG. 16 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of authentication processes that is used upon inputting an electronic mail address.
- the CPU 11 shifts the sequence to a facsimile mode (step S161).
- the CPU 11 determines whether or not the user directly inputs an electronic mail address of a receiving end (step S162). In other words, the CPU 11 determines whether or not "E-MAIL address" button, shown in FIG. 3 , has been operated.
- step S162 when it is determined that the electronic mail address is directly inputted (YES in step S162), that is, when a signal corresponding to the "E-MAIL address" button has been outputted from the operation unit 13, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the security environment is currently going on (step S163).
- the CPU 11 determines whether or not the flag stored in the storing unit 15 is "1".
- the CPU 11 accepts an input of a password through the ten keys 131 (step S164).
- the CPU 11 determines whether or not the password is the right one (step S165).
- the CPU 11 compares the received password with the password preliminarily stored in the storing unit 15, and when it is determined that the received password is not right (NO in step S165), the sequence of processes is completed.
- the CPU 11 reads out a screen shown in FIG. 6 from the storing unit 15, and displays the screen.
- step S167 the CPU 11 accepts an input of an electronic mail address from the ten keys 131 (step S167).
- the sequence proceeds to step S167 by skipping processes of steps S164 and S165.
- step S162 When, an electronic mail address is not directly inputted in step S162 (NO in step S162), that is, when the CPU 11 determines that the "receiving end list" button has been operated by the user so as to call for already registered addresses as shown in FIG. 3 , the CPU 11 reads out names of receiving ends from the address data file 152 onto the RAM 12 (step S168). The CPU 11 displays the names of receiving ends read onto the RAM 12 on the display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 4 (step S169). The CPU 11 accepts a selection of the name of the receiving end through the operation unit 13 (step S1610). Based upon the name of the receiving end thus accepted, the CPU 11 retrieves the address data file 152 to read out the corresponding electronic mail address (step S1611).
- the CPU 11 reads out image data to be transmitted, from the image memory 151 (step S1612), so that the image data is transmitted to the corresponding electronic mail address (step S1613).
- the authentication process is carried out appropriately in accordance with the setting of the security environment, and in the case where the receiving end has already been registered, the authentication process is omitted; thus, it becomes possible to provide an image transmission apparatus that is more convenient in use, while the security function is properly maintained.
- FIGS. 17 and 18 are flow charts that show a sequence of processes used for newly registering or editing an electronic mail address.
- the CPU 11 determines whether or not an electronic mail address is newly registered (step S171). More specifically, the CPU 11 determines whether the "newly registering" button or the "registered address editing" button has been operated in FIG. 9 .
- the CPU 11 determines that the newly registering process is carried out (YES in step S171), that is, when the CPU 11 has received a signal corresponding to the "newly registering" button from the operation unit 13, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the security environment is currently going on (step S172).
- the CPU 11 determines that the security environment has been set (YES in step S172)
- the CPU 11 accepts an input of a password from the ten keys 131 (step S173).
- the CPU 11 determines whether or not the password is the right one (step S174).
- the CPU 11 compares the received password with the password preliminarily stored in the storing unit 15, and when it is determined that the received password is not right (NO in step S174), the sequence of processes is completed. In contrast, when it is determined that the received password is right (YES in step S174), the CPU 11 reads out a screen shown in FIG. 10 from the storing unit 15, and displays the screen.
- steps S173 and S174 are skipped.
- inputs of a name of a receiving end, the electronic mail address and the like are accepted (step S175).
- the CPU 11 registers the name of a receiving end and the electronic mail address thus accepted in the address data file 152 (step S176).
- step S171 When it is determined that the corresponding process is not a newly registering process in step S171 (NO in step S171), that is, when the CPU 11 has received a signal corresponding to the "registered address editing" button shown in FIG. 9 , the CPU 11 determines whether or not the security environment has been set (step S177). When the CPU 11 has determined that the security environment has been set (YES in step S177), the CPU 11 accepts an input of a password through the ten keys 131 (step S178).
- the CPU 11 determines whether or not the password is the right one (step S179).
- the CPU 11 compares the received password with the password preliminarily stored in the storing unit 15, and when it is determined that the received password is not right (NO in step S179), the sequence of processes is completed. In contrast, when it is determined that the received password is right (YES in step S179), the sequence proceeds to step S1710.
- steps S178 and S179 are skipped.
- the CPU 11 reads out names of receiving ends from the address data file 152 onto the RAM 12 (step S1710).
- the CPU 11 displays the names of receiving ends read out onto the RAM 12 on the display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 11 (step S1711).
- the CPU 11 accepts a selection of the name of the receiving end to be edited through the operation unit 13 (step S1712).
- the CPU 11 retrieves the address data file 152 to read out the corresponding electronic mail address or the like (step S1713).
- the electronic mail address, the name of the receiving end etc. to be edited are displayed as shown in FIG. 12 .
- the user inputs edit information such as an electronic mail address through the ten keys 131.
- the CPU 11 accepts information that has been edited (step S1714), and updates and registers the edited information thus accepted in the address data file 152 in association with the name of the receiving end (step S176). In this manner, upon newly registering or editing information in the address data file 152, the authentication process is also carried out, if necessary; therefore, it becomes possible to avoid the problem that the third person secretly registers or alters any receiving end.
- Embodiment 1 has an arrangement in which the security program 151P used for carrying out the authentication process is preliminarily installed in the storing unit 15, another arrangement in which a recording medium such as a cartridge ROM that stores the security program 151P is separately attached may be used to achieve functions of the image transmission apparatus according to the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of an Internet facsimile apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2.
- reference numeral la represents a cartridge ROM in which the security program 151P is stored. When physically attached to a cartridge interface 110, the cartridge ROM la is allowed to function in the same manner as the security program 151P that is pre-installed as described in Embodiment 1.
- the selection process as to whether or not the authentication process should be carried out is executed in accordance with the flow chart of FIG. 15 , and in the case of the execution of the authentication process, since the flag is set to "1", the security program 151P is appropriately executed as an interrupting process. In contrast, when the flag is set to "0", the security program 151P is not executed, with the result that the authentication process is not carried out.
- Embodiment 2 has the above-mentioned arrangement, and since the other structures and functions are the same as those of Embodiment 1, the corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.
- an image transmission apparatus upon input of an address through input means used for inputting an address of a receiving end, an image transmission apparatus carries out an authentication process that determines whether or not the inputting person is a right authorized person. When it is determined that the corresponding operation is right through the authentication process, the image transmission apparatus transmits image data to the address of the receiving end thus inputted. With this arrangement, it becomes possible to prevent the problem that image data might be leaked to the third person through a network.
- the image transmission apparatus when it is determined that the corresponding operation is right through the authentication process, registers the inputted address in the address data file. Upon editing an already registered address, the image transmission apparatus reads out the address that has been registered in the address data file, and when the address thus read out is edited, the authentication process is again carried out. When it is determined that the corresponding operation is right through the authentication process, the edited address is updated and registered in the address data file. With this arrangement, it becomes possible to prevent the problem that the third person with an ill intention might freely alter the receiving end.
- the image transmission apparatus when an already registered address of a receiving end is read out from the address data file, the image transmission apparatus transmits image data to the corresponding address without carrying out the authentication process. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide an image transmission apparatus that is more convenient in use with superior security.
- the image transmission apparatus upon raising the level of security, the image transmission apparatus is allowed to execute the authentication process, while, when emphasis is placed on convenience in use rather than security, the image transmission apparatus is not allowed to execute the authentication process.
- the present invention exerts superior effects.
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- Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to an image transmission apparatus that transmits image data, in particular, an image transmission apparatus that carries out an authentication process upon inputting an address of a receiving end.
- There are image transmission apparatuses, such as fax machines each of which transmits and receives an image that has been read to and from an external apparatus (receiving end) through a communication path (telephone network). In recent years, a transmitting and receiving environment for images in which Internet facsimiles and the like for transmitting and receiving images through a communication network are used has been improved. Moreover, there have been rapid progresses in forming document images into electronic data as well as in data sharing, and a workplace environment which utilizes such a network environment has been established. Under these circumstances, as techniques for forming electronic data and for data sharing progress, it becomes necessary to properly establish a protection (security) environment against data leakage and the like.
- Conventionally, means is installed in which a user authentication process is carried out by using a password (identification number) or the like so that when, as a result of collation, the input information is coincident with the authentication information that has been preliminarily registered, the use of an image transmission apparatus is permitted thereafter; thus, by using the user authentication, unapproved use of the image transmission apparatus has been restricted (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No.
3-29461 (1991) 4-157968 (1992) - However, in such a case when collation information like a password is leaked, the image transmission apparatus might be used without permission with the result that image information might be transmitted to an external apparatus. Moreover, in an attempt to directly input information of a receiving end, the user's unaccustomed operation might cause input errors, with the result that image data might be transmitted to an erroneous receiving end. Further prior art is known from
US 5,881,233 , where an electronic mail system is disclosed, including a section for converting an image of a document surface into corresponding document image data, a section for compressing the document image data, a section for converting the compression-resultant image data into a given electronic-mail format and a section for transmitting the image data towards an electronic-mail destination address. The system may further include a section for receiving image data in an electronic mail, a section for converting the received image data into a given facsimile format, a section for expanding the received image data, and a section for printing the expansion-resultant image data. - Furthermore, a section for receiving information of electronic-mail destination addresses is disclosed, providing the possibility of storing the electronic-mail destination addresses together with a sender ID in a memory. When a sender ID is inputted and identified with a sender ID stored in the memory, the correlated list of registered destination addresses is displayed, and a destination address may be selected.
- Particularly, in recent years, the network environment has been established, and techniques for forming electronic data have been improved, as described above, so that image information can be easily transmitted to an external apparatus; consequently, the above-mentioned problems have been recognized remarkably. In contrast, when the security is enhanced excessively, another problem arises in which the image transmission apparatus becomes inconvenient in use.
US 2001/056538 discloses an information processing apparatus that imposes a restriction on the use of a shared communication apparatus such as a facsimile machine, thereby preventing a person from posing as a different person when transmitting data such as a document. User authentication is performed, and transmission data is transmitted in accordance with the authentication result. Information such as a sender name, which corresponds to the information specifying a user used to perform the user authentication, is added to the transmission data. - The present invention is defined by the subject-matter of the appended claims.
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FIG. 1 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of an image transmission apparatus according to the present invention;FIG. 2 is a schematic view that shows an operation unit and a display unit;FIG. 3 is an explanatory view that shows an image of guide information displayed on the display unit;FIG. 4 is an explanatory view that shows another image of guide information displayed on the display unit;FIG. 5 is an explanatory view that shows still another image of guide information displayed on the display unit;FIG. 6 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit;FIG. 7 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit;FIG. 8 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit;FIG. 9 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit;FIG. 10 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit;FIG. 11 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit;FIG. 12 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit;FIG. 13 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit;FIG. 14 is an explanatory view that shows yet another image of guide information displayed on the display unit;FIG. 15 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of processes for conducting a setting operation as to whether or not authentication processes are carried out;FIG. 16 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of the authentication processes upon inputting an electronic mail address;FIG. 17 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of processes in the case where an electronic mail address is newly registered or edited;FIG. 18 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of processes in the case where an electronic mail address is newly registered or edited; andFIG. 19 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of an image transmission apparatus according toEmbodiment 2. - The following description will specifically explain the present invention, based on the drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof.
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FIG. 1 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of an image transmission apparatus according to the present invention. Here, description will be given of a case in where anInternet facsimile apparatus 1 is used as theimage transmission apparatus 1; however, in addition to the apparatus that is provided with only the facsimile function, the apparatus may be a complex machine that has a function as a copying machine and a function as a printer in combination. In the Internetfacsimile apparatus 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, areading unit 19, arecording unit 110, adisplay unit 14, anoperation unit 13, a coding-decoding unit 18, astoring unit 15, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, animage memory 151, amodem 162, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 161, aLAN interface 163 and the like are connected to one another through abus 17. - The
CPU 11, which is connected to the above-mentioned hardware units of theInternet facsimile device 1 through thebus 17, controls those units, and also executes various software functions in accordance with acontrol program 15P and asecurity program 151P stored in thestoring unit 15. Thereading unit 19 reads a document by using a scanner in which, for example, CCDs (Charge Couple Devices) are utilized, and outputs the image data thus read. Therecording unit 110, which is an electrophotographic printing apparatus, is used for printing out data, such as image data received through facsimile communication, document image data read by thereading unit 19 and image data sent from a personal computer (not shown) through theLAN interface 163. - The
display unit 14, which is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, is used for displaying the operation state of theInternet facsimile apparatus 1 of the present invention, image data of a document that has been read for transmission, image data received from another facsimile apparatus, and image data sent from a personal computer, or the like. Theoperation unit 13, serving as input means, is provided with character keys, ten keys, shortened dial keys, one-touch dial keys, various function keys and the like required for operating theInternet facsimile device 1 of the present invention. Here, thedisplay unit 14 may comprise a touch panel, so that one portion or the entire portions of the various keys of theoperation unit 13 can be substituted thereby. The coding-decoding unit 18 code-compresses an image signal, and also decodes image data that has been code-compressed into the original image signal. - The storing
unit 15, configured by a hard disk or the like, preliminarily stores thecontrol program 15P and thesecurity program 151P that are required for operations of the Internetfacsimile device 1 of the present invention. Thesecurity program 151P, which is a program that executes an authentication process (authentication means) or the like according to the present invention, is installed when desired by the user. Here, an address of a receiving end, inputted from theoperation unit 13, is registered in anaddress data file 152 of thestoring unit 15. Although the address is a FAX number, an electronic mail address or the like, in the following, description will be given by exemplifying a case where the address is an electronic mail address. - The
RAM 12, which is configured by a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a flash memory or the like, stores temporary data that is generated upon executing a software program. Theimage memory 151, which is configured by a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, stores data such as image data read for transmission, image data received from another facsimile apparatus and image data sent from a computer. - The
modem 162, which is connected to thebus 17, is configured by a facsimile modem capable of performing facsimile communication. Moreover, themodem 162 is also directly connected to the NCU 161 connected to thebus 17. The NCU 161, which is a hardware device that opens and closes the communication line with the telephone line network, connects themodem 162 to the telephone line network, if necessary. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view that shows the outline of theoperation unit 13 and thedisplay unit 14. Thedisplay unit 14 is formed by a liquid crystal display, and atouch panel 139, which forms one portion of theoperation unit 13, is laminated on the upper side thereof. Various setting operations, such as a copy-density setting operation, a paper selecting operation and a magnification setting operation, can be given through thetouch panel 139 by the user's operations. On the right side of theoperation unit 13, there are prepared tenkeys 131, aclear button 132 by which numeric value data or the like inputted through the tenkeys 131 is revised, astart button 134 used for starting a reading process, transmitting process or the like of image data, and atotal cancellation button 133, which initializes settings of the number of copies, image quality and the like, or initializes a transmitting operation, a copying operation and the like of image data. - On the center portion adjacent to the
touch panel 139 of theoperation unit 13, aprinter button 135, aFAX button 136, acopy button 137 and a "user-setting"button 138 are prepared. As described above, theInternet facsimile apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has a printer function, a facsimile function and a copy function; therefore, when the user operates theprinter button 135, theFAX button 136 or thecopy button 137 depending on the desired usage, theInternet facsimile apparatus 1 is allowed to function as a printer, a facsimile apparatus or a copying machine. The "user-setting"button 138 is operated when registering, selecting and editing operations of an address of a receiving end, which will be described later, or various setting operations such as settings of date and time are carried out. - When the
operation unit 13 provided with the above-mentioned buttons is operated, a signal corresponding to the operated button is outputted to theCPU 11. In accordance with thecontrol program 15P stored in thestoring unit 15, theCPU 11 executes the process corresponding to the output from theoperation unit 13, and reads out required guide information from thestoring unit 15, and outputs the information to thedisplay unit 14. In the following, description will be given of a sequence of displaying operations on thedisplay unit 14. -
FIGS. 3 through 14 are explanatory views that show images of guide information displayed on thedisplay unit 14. InFIG. 2 , when theFAX button 136 is operated, a screen indicated byFIG. 3 is displayed. When "receiving end list" is operated, theCPU 11 reads out names of receiving ends corresponding to addresses that have been registered ("S company", "B company", and the like) from theaddress data file 152, and displays them as a list, as shown inFIG. 4 . Here, when one of the receiving ends is selected through thetouch panel 139, the corresponding address is read out from theaddress data file 152, and image data stored in theimage memory 151 is transmitted to the corresponding address. In this manner, when the "receiving end list" is selected so as to call for the registered addresses inFIG. 3 , theCPU 11 displays the screen ofFIG. 4 without carrying out an authentication process, and allows selection of a desired address. - In contrast, when "E-MAIL address" button is operated in
FIG. 3 so as to input an address that has not been registered, theCPU 11 displays an authentication screen shown inFIG. 5 so as to carry out the authentication process. A screen that urges the user to input a password is displayed on the authentication screen. The user inputs the password through the tenkeys 131. TheCPU 11 compares the inputted password with a password that has been preliminarily stored in the storingunit 15, and only when these are coincident with each other, it displays an electronic mail address input screen shown inFIG. 6 . This embodiment uses the authentication through a password; however, the authentication may be conducted by using biological information such as a fingerprint. - After the authentication process, the user inputs an electronic mail address of a receiving end through the ten
keys 131. After the input of the electronic mail address, the user presses "OK" button through thetouch panel 139. When the "OK" button is operated, theCPU 11 displays a screen shown inFIG. 7 . It is possible to select the file format and compression format of image data to be transmitted inFIG. 7 . With respect to the file format, selection can be made among PDF (Personal Document Format) (Registered Trademark), TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) (Registered Trademark), and the like. Moreover, with respect to the compression format, in addition to the case requiring no compression, selection can be made among compression formats such as MH (G (Group) 3) and MMR (G (Group) 4). When the user selects desired file format and compression format, and then selects the "OK" button, theCPU 11 reads out image data from theimage memory 151, carries out a converting process to the corresponding file format and the corresponding compressing process on the image data, and then transmits the resulting image data to the electronic mail address that has been inputted. - In the following, description will be given of a newly registering process of an electronic mail address of a receiving end and an editing process for a registered address. When "user setting"
button 138 inFIG. 2 is pressed, theCPU 11 reads out a menu screen shown inFIG. 8 from the storingunit 15, and displays the screen. In the menu screen, items used for carrying out various setting operations, such as screen contrast adjusting, date-time setting and address editing are displayed. When the user operates the "address editing" button, theCPU 11 displays a screen shown inFIG. 9 . As shown inFIG. 9 , "newly registering" button and "registered address editing" button are displayed. Here, when the user operates the "newly registering" button, theCPU 11 displays the above-mentioned authentication screen shown inFIG. 5 so as to carry out the authentication process. - When it is determined to be right by the authentication process, the
CPU 11 displays a screen shown inFIG. 10 . The user inputs an electronic mail address and the name and the like of a receiving end corresponding to the electronic mail address by using the tenkeys 131 and the like. Upon operation of "termination" button by the user, the inputted address and name of the receiving end are registered in the address data file 152. Thus, when the "receiving end list" button is operated inFIG. 3 , the names of the receiving ends are read out from the address data file 152 by theCPU 11, and displayed on thedisplay unit 14 as shown inFIG. 4 . - In
FIG. 9 , when the "registered address editing" button is operated, theCPU 11 displays the above-mentioned authentication screen shown inFIG. 5 so as to carry out the authentication process. When it is determined to be right by the authentication process, theCPU 11 displays a screen shown inFIG. 11 . As shown inFIG. 11 , the CPU 11-displays names of receiving ends read out from the address data file 152 on thedisplay unit 14 as a list. The user selects a desired name of a receiving end to be edited. Thus, theCPU 11 reads out the electronic mail address and the like corresponding to the name of the receiving end from the address data file 152, and displays them as shown inFIG. 12 . The user selects a desired item to be edited (name of a receiving end, electronic mail address, index, character retrieving or the like), and inputs the contents of edition through the tenkeys 131. TheCPU 11 stores the data that has been edited in the address data file 152. In this manner, when an electronic mail address is directly inputted upon transmission, that is, when an electronic mail address is newly registered in the address data file 152 and when an already registered electronic mail address is edited, the authentication process shown inFIG. 5 is carried out, so that it becomes possible to prevent the problem that the image data might be transmitted to the third person. - Here, the above-mentioned authentication can be cancelled by a user's setup. In the following, description will be given of the contents of the setup procedure. When "key operator program" button is operated on the menu screen in
FIG. 8 , theCPU 11 displays an authentication screen shown inFIG. 13 . The user inputs a password through the tenkeys 131. TheCPU 11 carries out an authentication process based upon the inputted password, and only when it is determined that the password is right, displays a screen shown inFIG. 14 . As shown inFIG. 14 , a selection screen that allows selection as to whether or not the authentication process is carried out is displayed. Here, "normal" button is operated when a setup is made so as not to carry out the authentication process upon inputting an electronic mail address. In contrast, "security environment" button is operated when a setup is made so as to carry out the authentication process upon inputting an electronic mail address. Thus, the security can be set appropriately in accordance with the use environment of the user'sInternet facsimile apparatus 1. - In the above-mentioned configuration, referring to a flow chart, the sequence of authentication processes of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flow chart that shows the sequence to be used upon carrying out the setup as to whether or not the authentication processes are carried out. First, theCPU 11 determines whether or not the setup for the security environment is carried out (step S151). More specifically, when the menu screen inFIG. 8 is displayed, in order to allow the user to select whether or not the authentication process should be carried out, it is determined whether or not "key operator program" button has been operated through thetouch panel 139. When it is determined that the setup for the security environment is carried out (YES in step S151), that is, when theCPU 11 has received a signal corresponding to the "key operator program" button from theoperation unit 14, theCPU 11 reads out the authentication screen shown inFIG. 13 from the storingunit 15 and displays the screen. Then, theCPU 11 accepts an input of a password through the ten keys 131 (step S152). In contrast, upon receiving NO in step S151, theCPU 11 completes the sequence of processes without altering the setup of the security environment. - Upon receiving a password in step S152, the
CPU 11 determines whether or not the password is the right one (step S153). TheCPU 11 compares the received password with the password preliminarily stored in the storingunit 15, and when it is determined that the received password is not right (NO in step S153), the sequence of processes is completed. In contrast, when it is determined that the received password is right (YES in step S153), theCPU 11 reads out a screen shown inFIG. 14 from the storingunit 15, and displays the screen. Then, theCPU 11 accepts a setup for the security environment (step S154). In other words, theCPU 11 accepts the selection as to whether or not the authentication process should be carried out. Successively, theCPU 11 determines whether or not the information instructing the execution of the authentication process has been received from the operation unit 13 (step S155). More specifically, theCPU 11 determines whether or not the "security environment" button shown inFIG. 14 has been operated. - When it is determined that the authentication process should be carried out (YES in step S155), that is, when the
CPU 11 has received a signal corresponding to the "security environment" button from theoperation unit 13, a flag "1" is set in the storing unit 15 (step S156). In contrast, when it is determined that the authentication process need not be carried out (NO in step S155), that is, when theCPU 11 has received a signal corresponding to the "normal" button shown inFIG. 14 from theoperation unit 13, a flag "0" is set in the storing unit 15 (step S157). Thus, the user is allowed to select an execution/non-execution of the authentication process. Here, when the flag "1" is set, theCPU 11 executes thesecurity program 151P, carries out an interrupting process, if necessary, and carries out the authentication process. In contrast, when the flag "0" is set, theCPU 11 does not execute thesecurity program 151P. -
FIG. 16 is a flow chart that shows a sequence of authentication processes that is used upon inputting an electronic mail address. First, when the user operates aFAX button 136 shown inFIG. 2 , theCPU 11 shifts the sequence to a facsimile mode (step S161). Next, theCPU 11 determines whether or not the user directly inputs an electronic mail address of a receiving end (step S162). In other words, theCPU 11 determines whether or not "E-MAIL address" button, shown inFIG. 3 , has been operated. Here, when it is determined that the electronic mail address is directly inputted (YES in step S162), that is, when a signal corresponding to the "E-MAIL address" button has been outputted from theoperation unit 13, theCPU 11 determines whether or not the security environment is currently going on (step S163). - More specifically, the
CPU 11 determines whether or not the flag stored in the storingunit 15 is "1". When it is determined that the security environment is on (YES in step S163), theCPU 11 accepts an input of a password through the ten keys 131 (step S164). TheCPU 11 determines whether or not the password is the right one (step S165). TheCPU 11 compares the received password with the password preliminarily stored in the storingunit 15, and when it is determined that the received password is not right (NO in step S165), the sequence of processes is completed. In contrast, when it is determined that the received password is right (YES in step S165), theCPU 11 reads out a screen shown inFIG. 6 from the storingunit 15, and displays the screen. - Then, the
CPU 11 accepts an input of an electronic mail address from the ten keys 131 (step S167). In contrast, when it is determined that the security environment is not on in step S163 (NO in step S163), that is, when theCPU 11 determines that the flag in the storingunit 15 is "0", the sequence proceeds to step S167 by skipping processes of steps S164 and S165. - When, an electronic mail address is not directly inputted in step S162 (NO in step S162), that is, when the
CPU 11 determines that the "receiving end list" button has been operated by the user so as to call for already registered addresses as shown inFIG. 3 , theCPU 11 reads out names of receiving ends from the address data file 152 onto the RAM 12 (step S168). TheCPU 11 displays the names of receiving ends read onto theRAM 12 on thedisplay unit 14 as shown inFIG. 4 (step S169). TheCPU 11 accepts a selection of the name of the receiving end through the operation unit 13 (step S1610). Based upon the name of the receiving end thus accepted, theCPU 11 retrieves the address data file 152 to read out the corresponding electronic mail address (step S1611). - Thereafter, the
CPU 11 reads out image data to be transmitted, from the image memory 151 (step S1612), so that the image data is transmitted to the corresponding electronic mail address (step S1613). In this manner, the authentication process is carried out appropriately in accordance with the setting of the security environment, and in the case where the receiving end has already been registered, the authentication process is omitted; thus, it becomes possible to provide an image transmission apparatus that is more convenient in use, while the security function is properly maintained. -
FIGS. 17 and18 are flow charts that show a sequence of processes used for newly registering or editing an electronic mail address. First, theCPU 11 determines whether or not an electronic mail address is newly registered (step S171). More specifically, theCPU 11 determines whether the "newly registering" button or the "registered address editing" button has been operated inFIG. 9 . When theCPU 11 determines that the newly registering process is carried out (YES in step S171), that is, when theCPU 11 has received a signal corresponding to the "newly registering" button from theoperation unit 13, theCPU 11 determines whether or not the security environment is currently going on (step S172). When theCPU 11 determines that the security environment has been set (YES in step S172), theCPU 11 accepts an input of a password from the ten keys 131 (step S173). - The
CPU 11 determines whether or not the password is the right one (step S174). TheCPU 11 compares the received password with the password preliminarily stored in the storingunit 15, and when it is determined that the received password is not right (NO in step S174), the sequence of processes is completed. In contrast, when it is determined that the received password is right (YES in step S174), theCPU 11 reads out a screen shown inFIG. 10 from the storingunit 15, and displays the screen. When it is determined that the security environment has not been set in step S172 (NO in step S172), processes in steps S173 and S174 are skipped. Then, inputs of a name of a receiving end, the electronic mail address and the like are accepted (step S175). TheCPU 11 registers the name of a receiving end and the electronic mail address thus accepted in the address data file 152 (step S176). - When it is determined that the corresponding process is not a newly registering process in step S171 (NO in step S171), that is, when the
CPU 11 has received a signal corresponding to the "registered address editing" button shown inFIG. 9 , theCPU 11 determines whether or not the security environment has been set (step S177). When theCPU 11 has determined that the security environment has been set (YES in step S177), theCPU 11 accepts an input of a password through the ten keys 131 (step S178). - The
CPU 11 determines whether or not the password is the right one (step S179). TheCPU 11 compares the received password with the password preliminarily stored in the storingunit 15, and when it is determined that the received password is not right (NO in step S179), the sequence of processes is completed. In contrast, when it is determined that the received password is right (YES in step S179), the sequence proceeds to step S1710. When it is determined that the security environment has not been set in step S177 (NO in step S177), processes in steps S178 and S179 are skipped. - Next, the
CPU 11 reads out names of receiving ends from the address data file 152 onto the RAM 12 (step S1710). TheCPU 11 displays the names of receiving ends read out onto theRAM 12 on thedisplay unit 14 as shown inFIG. 11 (step S1711). TheCPU 11 accepts a selection of the name of the receiving end to be edited through the operation unit 13 (step S1712). Based upon the name of the receiving end thus accepted, theCPU 11 retrieves the address data file 152 to read out the corresponding electronic mail address or the like (step S1713). Thus, the electronic mail address, the name of the receiving end etc. to be edited are displayed as shown inFIG. 12 . The user inputs edit information such as an electronic mail address through the tenkeys 131. TheCPU 11 accepts information that has been edited (step S1714), and updates and registers the edited information thus accepted in the address data file 152 in association with the name of the receiving end (step S176). In this manner, upon newly registering or editing information in the address data file 152, the authentication process is also carried out, if necessary; therefore, it becomes possible to avoid the problem that the third person secretly registers or alters any receiving end. - Although
Embodiment 1 has an arrangement in which thesecurity program 151P used for carrying out the authentication process is preliminarily installed in the storingunit 15, another arrangement in which a recording medium such as a cartridge ROM that stores thesecurity program 151P is separately attached may be used to achieve functions of the image transmission apparatus according to the present invention.FIG. 19 is a block diagram that shows a hardware structure of anInternet facsimile apparatus 1 according toEmbodiment 2. InFIG. 19 , reference numeral la represents a cartridge ROM in which thesecurity program 151P is stored. When physically attached to acartridge interface 110, the cartridge ROM la is allowed to function in the same manner as thesecurity program 151P that is pre-installed as described inEmbodiment 1. In other words, the selection process as to whether or not the authentication process should be carried out is executed in accordance with the flow chart ofFIG. 15 , and in the case of the execution of the authentication process, since the flag is set to "1", thesecurity program 151P is appropriately executed as an interrupting process. In contrast, when the flag is set to "0", thesecurity program 151P is not executed, with the result that the authentication process is not carried out. -
Embodiment 2 has the above-mentioned arrangement, and since the other structures and functions are the same as those ofEmbodiment 1, the corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is omitted. - As described above, in the present invention, upon input of an address through input means used for inputting an address of a receiving end, an image transmission apparatus carries out an authentication process that determines whether or not the inputting person is a right authorized person. When it is determined that the corresponding operation is right through the authentication process, the image transmission apparatus transmits image data to the address of the receiving end thus inputted. With this arrangement, it becomes possible to prevent the problem that image data might be leaked to the third person through a network.
- Moreover, in the present invention, when it is determined that the corresponding operation is right through the authentication process, the image transmission apparatus registers the inputted address in the address data file. Upon editing an already registered address, the image transmission apparatus reads out the address that has been registered in the address data file, and when the address thus read out is edited, the authentication process is again carried out. When it is determined that the corresponding operation is right through the authentication process, the edited address is updated and registered in the address data file. With this arrangement, it becomes possible to prevent the problem that the third person with an ill intention might freely alter the receiving end.
- Moreover, in the present invention, when an already registered address of a receiving end is read out from the address data file, the image transmission apparatus transmits image data to the corresponding address without carrying out the authentication process. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide an image transmission apparatus that is more convenient in use with superior security.
- Furthermore, in the present invention, upon raising the level of security, the image transmission apparatus is allowed to execute the authentication process, while, when emphasis is placed on convenience in use rather than security, the image transmission apparatus is not allowed to execute the authentication process. With this arrangement, it becomes possible to provide an image transmission apparatus that is suitable for the use environment of the user; thus, the present invention exerts superior effects.
Claims (7)
- An image transmission apparatus (1) which transmits image data, comprising:
input means (13. 14) for inputting an address of a receiving end, characterized by further comprising:authentication means (11. 151P) for carrying out an authentication process verifying whether a user is an authorized user before the address is inputted through the input means, when the user requests to newly input the address, newly register the address or to edit a registered address through the input means; andtransmission means (11, 161-163) for transmitting image data to the address of the receiving end inputted through said input means if the user is an authorized user. - The image transmission apparatus (1) according to claim 1, further comprising:
register means (15P. 152) for registering the address inputted through said input means (13. 14) in an address data file if the user is an authorized user. - The image transmission apparatus (1) according to claim 2, further comprising:readout means (15P, 152) for reading out an address registered in said address data file, whereinwhen the address read out by said readout means (15P, 152) is edited through the input means (13. 14). said authentication means (11. 151P) carries out the authentication process, andif the user is an authorized user, said register means (15P, 152) registers the edited address in said address data file.
- The image transmission apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein when said readout means (15P. 152) reads out an address of a receiving end from the address data file, said transmission means (11. 161-163) transmits image data to said address without carrying out the authentication process by said authentication means (11, 151P).
- The image transmission apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
selection means (151P) for making a selection as to whether or not the authentication process should be carried out by said authentication means (11, 151P). - The image transmission apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
said image transmission apparatus is an Internet facsimile apparatus, and said address is an electronic mail address. - A method of transmitting image data, comprising:inputting an address of a receiving end through input means;characterized by further comprising:carrying out an authentication process verifying whether a user is an authorized user before the address is inputted through the input means, when the user requests to newly input the address, newly register the address or to edit a registered address through the input means; andtransmitting image data to the address of the receiving end inputted through said input means if the user is an authorized user.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2003076482A JP4219196B2 (en) | 2003-03-19 | 2003-03-19 | Image transmission device |
JP2003076482 | 2003-03-19 | ||
PCT/JP2004/003243 WO2004084077A1 (en) | 2003-03-19 | 2004-03-11 | Image transmission apparatus |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP1607874A1 EP1607874A1 (en) | 2005-12-21 |
EP1607874A4 EP1607874A4 (en) | 2007-01-10 |
EP1607874B1 true EP1607874B1 (en) | 2020-01-08 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP04719639.9A Expired - Lifetime EP1607874B1 (en) | 2003-03-19 | 2004-03-11 | Image transmission apparatus |
Country Status (5)
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US (3) | US9300838B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1607874B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4219196B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN100428206C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004084077A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
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US7719708B2 (en) * | 2005-06-01 | 2010-05-18 | Sharp Laboratories Of America, Inc. | Secured release method and system for transmitting and imaging a print job in which a security attribute in the print job header will prevent acceptance of subsequent data packets until a user performs authentication on the imaging device |
JP2007142787A (en) * | 2005-11-18 | 2007-06-07 | Murata Mach Ltd | Image processing apparatus |
JP4853240B2 (en) * | 2006-11-07 | 2012-01-11 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Image processing system and program |
JP4684216B2 (en) * | 2006-12-18 | 2011-05-18 | シャープ株式会社 | Data transmission apparatus, data transmission method, and program |
JP2009187471A (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2009-08-20 | Oki Data Corp | Information processor |
JP5036844B2 (en) * | 2010-04-15 | 2012-09-26 | シャープ株式会社 | Image compression apparatus, image output apparatus, image reading apparatus, image compression method, computer program, and recording medium |
US12008379B2 (en) | 2021-05-14 | 2024-06-11 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Automotive image sensor, image processing system including the same and operating method thereof |
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2003
- 2003-03-19 JP JP2003076482A patent/JP4219196B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-03-11 US US10/549,187 patent/US9300838B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-03-11 CN CNB2004800074349A patent/CN100428206C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-03-11 EP EP04719639.9A patent/EP1607874B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-03-11 WO PCT/JP2004/003243 patent/WO2004084077A1/en active Application Filing
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2016
- 2016-02-19 US US15/048,507 patent/US9936085B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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2018
- 2018-02-28 US US15/908,324 patent/US10560589B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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US20010056538A1 (en) * | 2000-06-19 | 2001-12-27 | Hiroyuki Amano | Information processing apparatus for adding sender information to transmission data and transmitting the transmission data and control method therefor |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN100428206C (en) | 2008-10-22 |
US20060176501A1 (en) | 2006-08-10 |
CN1761951A (en) | 2006-04-19 |
JP2004289311A (en) | 2004-10-14 |
EP1607874A4 (en) | 2007-01-10 |
US20160173706A1 (en) | 2016-06-16 |
EP1607874A1 (en) | 2005-12-21 |
WO2004084077A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 |
JP4219196B2 (en) | 2009-02-04 |
US9936085B2 (en) | 2018-04-03 |
US9300838B2 (en) | 2016-03-29 |
US10560589B2 (en) | 2020-02-11 |
US20180191918A1 (en) | 2018-07-05 |
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